Rare Champagne
Rare Champagne is a prestige brand based in Reims, led by Maud Rabin (Directrice) and Émilien Boutillat (Chef de Cave). Originally developed as a Prestige-Cuvée by Piper-Heidsieck, Rare is now run as an independent brand. The philosophy: They only vinify in exceptional years — the Millésime 2013 was only the 13th vintage in the brand's history.
Vignoble & Terroir
Rare sources grapes from 11 Crus, of which 79% Grand Cru and 21% Premier Cru. The exact villages aren't disclosed, but the assemblage of Millésime 2013 shows the breakdown: 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir. For Millésime 2008, the grapes come from an assemblage of 8 Grand Crus.
Vinification
The wines are aged in stainless steel. The dosage is around 9 g/l (Millésime 2013). What's crucial is the aging time: 8 to over 10 years on the lees is standard before a bottle is disgorged. Rare is not produced every year — only when the vintage is exceptional. This rarity is part of the program.
The Cuvées in Detail
Millésime 2013
Silky and fruity with aromas of flowers, green tea, honey, citrus and vanilla. A fine bitterness carries the long finish. Disgorgement in December 2022, after 8 years aging on lees.
70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir · 9 g/l · 96 months · 11 Crus (79% Grand Cru, 21% Premier Cru)
Brut Millésime 2008
Called "The Eternal" — opulent and harmonious with deep honey and brioche notes, fine spice and vanilla. Incredible length. After 10 years of aging, one of the most impressive bottles from the brand.
70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir · Dosage n.a. · 120 months · Assemblage from 8 Grand Crus
Rosé Millésimé 2012
Dark, warm spice with wild cherry, raspberry, orange zest, smoke, cocoa and pink pepper. Creamy-silky texture, powerful and elegant. The color is surprisingly light.
Cépage blend n.a. · Dosage n.a. · 120 months · Terroir n.a.
My Tastings
- Millésime 2013 (2013) · 2025-05-04
- Rosé Millésimé 2012 (2012) · 2025-12-07
- Brut Millésime 2008 (2008) · 2026-02-14
Facts
Heute habe ich den @rarechampagne_official Millésime 2013 zu meinem Geburtstag geöffnet – und damit nicht nur eine Flasche, sondern eine ganze…
Es gibt Flaschen, die man für besondere Momente aufhebt – und sich irgendwann fragt, wann dieser Moment eigentlich sein soll. Gestern, an Nikolaus,…
Ich gebe zu: Ich hatte heute kurz Sorge. Mit einer leichten Erkältung im Nacken hatte ich Angst, dieses aromatische Schwergewicht zu „verpassen“.…
| Category | NM (Négociant-Manipulant) |
|---|---|
| Location | Reims, Marne (51) |
| Region | Montagne de Reims |
| Cru Classification | 79% Grand Cru, 21% Premier Cru |
| Leadership | Maud Rabin (Directrice), Émilien Boutillat (Chef de Cave) |
| Grape Varieties | 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir |
| Vintages Produced | 13 vintages (as of 2013) |
| Website | rarechampagne.com |
| @rarechampagne_official · 29,804 Followers |
Sources for this portrait: Maison website, personal tastings, CRM data and cross-checks. Fields without sufficient verification remain open.